Pages

Sunday, November 23, 2014

Thirty Days of Mr. Rogers ... Day Twenty-Two (and Twenty-Three)

Mr. Rogers said, "If the day ever came when we were able to accept ourselves and our children exactly as we are and they are, then, I believe, we would have come very close to an ultimate understanding of what 'good' parenting means. it's part of being human to fall short of that total acceptance --- and often far short. But one of the more important gifts a parent can give a child is the gift of accepting that child's uniqueness."

I spent the day away yesterday, meeting friends that I don't see often. First stop was an antique shop that I have never been to ... bought this painting to add to my collection of amateur rose paintings ... it's painted well, but it's pretty awful at the same time ... just the way I like them!

"It's not always easy for a father to understand the interests and ways of his son. It seems the songs of our children may be in keys we've never tried. The melody of each generation emerges from all that's gone before. Each of us contributes in some unique way to the composition of life."

Our other stop was at Albemarle Cider Works, where they grow heritage apples and make fantastic cider. This is what I brought home ... a mixed half-bushel of apples for eating and for pies (York, Stayman, Gold Rush, and Albemarle Pippin), two bottles of hard cider, and a half-gallon of fresh cider.

Me: We have three daughters, all grown now. Each of them has a very different personality than either of their sisters ... the challenge in parenting them has always been to respect those differences but not go crazy catering to each one's preferences and tendencies. They are very close in age, and it would have seemed natural to treat them as a homogeneous unit all the time. Not doing this allowed each of them to develop into their OWN person, while still maintaining the connection as a member of our family.

************
During the month of November, I plan to share wisdom from Mr. Rogers with you each day (from the book "The World According to Mr. Rogers") ... Mr. Rogers's words accompanied by everyday images from life here at Hartwood Manor ... this place that I am blessed to call HOME.

5 comments:

I don't have children but I have three nieces. Each one is totally different and unique but the youngest one drives her mother crazy. They are always in some sort of battle and yet oddly enough, that is the one I'm closest to.I wish that my sister could see her as unique rather than just being a rebel.(Love your posts, although I haven't commented all the time. Yep, totally love Mr. Rogers thoughts.)

These words are so true and are important to remember. My children are both so different! Learning to respect their difference and let them be who they are was not always easy but vital to the well being of my children. hugs,Linda

My wish is to have that same acceptance of everyone I meet. I get to choose what I like and how I want to live, I want to be equally accepting of others' choices without thinking they somehow reflect on me. It's too easy to be critical...

Translate

Who Am I?

My name is Connie, and I started Hartwood Roses ... an educational rose garden in Virginia that specializes in rare and unusual antique roses. I know a lot about roses, old houses, carpentry and remodeling, and am an expert day dreamer. You will often find me working in the garden, planning a home project, building something, or hanging out in a cemetery ...all of this has come in handy as my husband and I restore our historic home (built in 1848) renovate the outbuildings, and design the gardens. This blog allows me share whatever is happening in the garden, around the house, or on my mind.

Click the picture to find out more about me.

Search This Blog

Follow Hartwood Roses by Email!

Facebook Page

Hartwood Roses ... Heirloom Old Garden Roses and More

Hartwood Roses was a small farm nursery, located just north of Fredericksburg, Virginia. The retail portion of the business closed in 2012, and the mission shifted to my true love … speaking to organizations and garden clubs and giving classes to educate budding rose gardeners. The display gardens here contain over 800 different varieties of roses … with emphasis on rare and historic varieties, and popular classics that are well-suited for modern gardens. Click picture to go to web site. www.HartwoodRoses.com

How's the Weather?

So True

Support Canine Cancer Research

Greyhounds ROCK Fredericksburg is a non-profit charity dedicated to raising awareness and funds to support Canine Cancer Research, to honor the dogs that are or have been affected by this disease, and to offer encouragement and education to the people who love them. (click to learn more)